Imaging apparatus and image capturing method

Abstract

An imaging apparatus includes a first image capturing unit that captures first image data through a first optical system, a second image capturing unit that captures second image data through a second optical system, and a mode switching unit that switches between a normal mode and a power saving and speedy capturing mode that has a lower consumed power than the normal mode. In a case of operating in the power saving and speedy capturing mode, an operation stopping unit stops the first image capturing unit and the control unit captures an image by use of the second image capturing unit. A battery remaining amount can also be detected. In a case the battery remaining amount is less than a threshold value, a display mode switching unit switches from first display mode displaying a monitored image of first image data to a second display mode displaying a monitored image of second image data.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-206521, filed Sep. 15, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an image capturing method.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]In recent years, a digital camera includes various sensors and these sensors are getting larger and larger. These sensors include sensors for AF (Auto Focus). Also, the number of pixels of a digital camera is getting higher and higher. Therefore, a consumed power of a digital camera is getting higher and higher.[0006]On the other hand, it is desirable to downsize a digital camera and to achieve weight saving. To effectively downsize and save weight in a digital camera, a battery of a digital camera is required to be downsized. A capacity of the batte...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention aims to solve problems in related technology by providing an imaging apparatus and image capturing method that can reduce power consumption and still quickly capture an image. The invention includes a mode switching unit that can switch between a normal mode and a power saving and speedy capturing mode, which has lower power consumption but captures images faster. The operation stopping unit can stop either the first or second image capturing unit based on the mode switching unit's decision. Additionally, the invention includes a display mode switching unit that can switch between a first display mode that displays a monitored image of first image data or a second display mode that displays a monitored image of second image data, based on the battery monitoring unit's decision. This allows for better battery monitoring and switching between display modes based on battery level.

Problems solved by technology

A capacity of the battery is therefore getting smaller due to downsizing of the battery.

A reduction in the number of captured images is undesirable.

But in a case a sensor is not constantly running for power saving, it becomes possible to miss a shutter chance because even after the sensor is activated the digital camera may perform an autofocus (AF) operation, which may cause missing the shutter chance.

Such an imaging apparatus, when going into a waiting mode, does not perform a storing operation of the lens with keeping with the speedy capturing mode.

Such an imaging apparatus, when a power source is turned on, does not perform the early phase driving of lens with keeping with the speedy capturing mode.

Because such an imaging apparatus still needs time for getting started for operating a sensor and providing electric power for an AF operation, that imaging apparatus has a problem in not balancing a reduction of consumed power and still allowing a speedy capturing operation.

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